ACTRESS and presenter Lynda Bellingham died yesterday in her husband Michael's arms, her agent has said.

The 66-year-old star, best known for her long-running role as a mother in the Oxo TV adverts, had been battling colon cancer, which later spread to her lungs and liver, since being diagnosed in July last year.

The actress said she decided to end her treatment on August 13 to limit the amount of suffering her family would witness.

In a statement on behalf of Bellingham's family, her agent, Sue Latimer, said: ''Lynda died peacefully in her husband's arms yesterday evening at a London hospital. Her family, to whom she was devoted, would like to thank the nurses and staff for their tremendous care and support.

''As an actor, writer and presenter, Lynda was a consummate professional to the very end.

''Those of us privileged to have known her personally will miss the entertaining, life enhancing, true and honest friend that blessed our lives.''